Smith Sidelined With Injury

Nov. 6, 2013

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Sophomore center Nicole Smith will undergo surgery Friday to repair an injury in her right knee, UI head coach Lisa Bluder announced Wednesday. Smith will miss approximately 10-14 weeks.

“We will miss having Nicole in uniform during her recovery,” said Bluder. “She worked hard during the offseason to improve her game. We look forward to getting Nicole back to full strength.”

“It is definitely disappointing that this happened right when the season was about to get into full swing,” said Smith. “However, I am now focused on not only getting myself back to 100 percent as soon as possible, but also encouraging my teammates during every practice and game. I am so lucky to have such an encouraging family, team and coaches during this time.”

Smith, a native of Rockton, Ill., played three minutes in Iowa’s exhibition victory against Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday. She registered two points and two rebounds before leaving the contest due to injury.

Smith competed in seven games during the 2012-13 campaign as a freshman.